Franca Garzotto
Papers
17
Total Citations
205
H-Index
8
About
Franca Garzotto is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, assistive technology, and developmental robotics. Her work focuses on designing innovative robotic and interactive systems to support children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), language impairments, and intellectual disabilities. Garzotto’s major contributions include the development of Teo, a huggable, mobile robot for therapeutic interventions, and Puffy, an inflatable robotic companion for playful learning. She has also explored blending full-body interaction with large screens and motion-sensing technology to create engaging therapeutic spaces. Her research, cited over 170 times, has demonstrated significant impact, particularly in speech-language therapy and developmental disorder interventions. Notable achievements include the KROG project, which integrates robots and motion-based touchless interaction for children with intellectual disabilities, and the design of ELE, a plush social robot promoting engagement in persons with NDD. Garzotto’s work is characterized by close collaboration with therapists and educators, ensuring her technologies address real clinical and educational needs. Her innovative approach has opened new avenues for using socially assistive robots in therapy, making her a leading figure in accessible, child-centered robotic design.
Research Focus
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- 10Puffy — An inflatable robotic companion for pre-schoolers7 citations · 2017